House Speaker John Boehner made a strong pitch Thursday for placing Ohio Sen. Rob Portman on the Republican presidential ticket with Mitt Romney, calling him “a great asset” who could help the party win the White House in November.
“I’m partial to Rob Portman,” Boehner told Fox News’ Greta Van Susteren Thursday. “I’ve been a long-time friend.
“He’s a United States senator from Ohio, served as the director of Office of Management and Budget under George W. Bush, also served as the U.S. trade rep, served in the House of Representatives as well,” Boehner said. “Knows his way around Washington, and I think he’d be a great asset for Gov. Romney.”
Boehner and Portman are fairly close. The two served together in the House for 12 years as part of the Ohio delegation, and they hail from the same area around Cincinnati.
In the past, Boehner has played the field when questioned about his choice for Romney’s running mate, bouncing through a long list of names, including Florida Sen. Mark Rubio and several GOP governors.
Portman’s name has been brought up lately among a number of conservatives, who believe he could help deliver the key state of Ohio. Earlier this week, conservative columnist and former presidential candidate Pat Buchanan mentioned him as a “safe” but good pick. who would fit well with Romney.
Buchanan also noted that Ohio GOP Gov. John Kasich would also be able to appoint another Republican to take Portman’s place in the Senate.
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